By the River

Painted quilt (mounted)
33 x 33 cm (unmounted)
2025
 
Artist Statement
 
This work was inspired by a photograph of a spot in Newnham that I used to pass frequently, many years ago. It speaks about the impact we have on nature, as well as how places can anchor memories. That place holds many wonderful memories of my family. It has changed, but is still the same.

I had previously created prints inspired by Gwen Raverat, but COVID-19 put a stop to their development. I was drawn to the strong architectural lines of the bridge, which is white in reality, but not pristine, as in the quilt; sections of it are overgrown with yellow fungus.

I used the strong lines of the bridge to create tension within the composition, unsettling the viewer. I also added trees, and removed the river, replacing it with an expanse of deconstructed grass. The memory is all that remains. 

This is an idealised representation of a real place: a testament to the fragility of both nature and memory.